Survivor’s New Host Reaches Out to Predecessor Amidst Show Shake-Up
In a surprising turn of events following a significant shift in the hosting duties for the highly popular Australian Survivor, the show’s new presenter, David Genat, has revealed that he made contact with the former host, Jonathan LaPaglia. The revelation sheds light on the professional courtesy and underlying dynamics between the two personalities after LaPaglia’s unexpected departure from the long-running survival series.
Genat, 45, who stepped into the hosting role after LaPaglia’s exit last year, clarified that while he reached out, he and LaPaglia are not close friends. Appearing on the Hit Network’s Carrie and Tommy Show, the former model was candid about the circumstances surrounding the Australian Survivor shake-up. When pressed by co-host Carrie Bickmore about potential awkwardness with LaPaglia, Genat deflected, stating, “That’s a question for Jonathan. Not for me. I mean, I think Jonathan’s amazing.”
During the interview, Genat shared that LaPaglia had indeed responded to his message. However, he kept the specifics of their exchange private, only confirming that things between them were “good.” He further elaborated, “I wouldn’t say we’re friends, but yeah. I mean, it’s fine. Of course you’re upset.”
Genat took pains to distance himself from the producers’ decision to part ways with LaPaglia, who had helmed the survival series for nearly a decade. “I was not involved in the breakup,” Genat asserted. “But yeah, I mean, look, I just sent him a message and said he’s done such an amazing thing with the show and his legacy can’t be touched.” He expressed his intention to build upon LaPaglia’s work, stating, “So I’m just trying to build on it and make it my own and just like continue making this the greatest show.” Genat also drew a parallel to his own experiences, reflecting, “You lose a job. I’ve lost so many jobs and been upset, but it was not my fault. So what could he say? I just sent him a nice message to just tell him, like how much I respected him.”
The announcement of Genat as LaPaglia’s successor came last August. Genat, an Australian-born reality television star who resides in Texas with his family, has a rich history with the Survivor franchise. His journey began on Australian Survivor: Champions v Contenders in 2019, where he was the 14th contestant to be voted out. He made a triumphant return the following season for Australian Survivor All Stars in 2020, ultimately winning the competition.
Meanwhile, LaPaglia’s departure sent shockwaves through the fan base in June of last year when he confirmed his axing from the series after almost ten years as its host. The TV personality garnered widespread support following his announcement that the Australia V The World series, which premiered on a Sunday, would be his final stint at the helm.
LaPaglia later shared the rather unceremonious manner in which he learned of his job loss. He revealed to The Daily Telegraph, “The speculation online was that I received an email. But no, it was a call to my manager in Australia. I didn’t get a direct call… disappointing.”
Fans can anticipate the premiere of Australian Survivor: Redemption on February 23rd on Channel 10.
